Weather & Climate in Maseru, Lesotho
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Maseru experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 41°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. The area receives 3.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 5,092 feet.
Temperature
63°F Jan (17°C)
41°F Jul (5°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg | |
| January Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 41°F (5°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,092 ft (1,552 m) |
| Area | 53.3 sq mi (138.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,448/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.3167°S, 27.4833°E |
| Timezone | Africa/Maseru |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
31 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.8.
| Nov 14, 1990 | 7 km WSW of Virginia, South Africa | M4.8 | 149 km | 5 km |
| Aug 18, 2016 | 10 km W of Qacha’s Nek, Lesotho | M4.5 | 138 km | 10 km |
| Sep 15, 2017 | 58 km S of Bloemfontein, South Africa | M4.4 | 129 km | 5 km |
| Jan 27, 2002 | 43 km SE of Nako, Lesotho | M4.3 | 87 km | 10 km |
| Jan 27, 2002 | 25 km S of Nako, Lesotho | M4.3 | 66 km | 10 km |
| Sep 5, 2016 | 4 km SSW of Nako, Lesotho | M4.3 | 45 km | 5 km |
| Jul 24, 2001 | 12 km S of Hennenman, South Africa | M4.2 | 144 km | 5 km |
| Mar 20, 2015 | 25 km ESE of Ventersburg, South Africa | M4.2 | 132 km | 5 km |
| Jul 31, 1993 | 5 km S of Nako, Lesotho | M3.8 | 48 km | 10 km |
| Feb 8, 1995 | 35 km NE of Mohale’s Hoek, Lesotho | M3.7 | 77 km | 5 km |
| Apr 18, 1993 | 1 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.7 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Sep 7, 1993 | 2 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.7 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Feb 21, 1996 | 12 km ESE of Virginia, South Africa | M3.6 | 139 km | 5 km |
| Sep 20, 1993 | 5 km WSW of Virginia, South Africa | M3.6 | 149 km | 5 km |
| Oct 14, 1995 | 3 km W of Virginia, South Africa | M3.5 | 150 km | 5 km |
| Jan 2, 1994 | 2 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.4 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Feb 24, 1996 | 3 km NE of Virginia, South Africa | M3.1 | 149 km | 5 km |
| Aug 8, 1990 | 6 km E of Virginia, South Africa | M3.1 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Dec 13, 1995 | 3 km NE of Virginia, South Africa | M2.9 | 149 km | 5 km |
| Apr 17, 1993 | 52 km W of Mafeteng, Lesotho | M2.9 | 93 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F (17°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| February | 68°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| March | 65°F (18°C) | 3.6 in | |
| April | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 in | |
| May | 51°F (10°C) | 0.9 in | |
| June | 45°F (7°C) | 0.5 in | |
| July | 41°F (5°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| August | 49°F (10°C) | 0.8 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 1.2 in | |
| October | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 65°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | |
| December | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 in |
Maseru has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 41°F in July to 68°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.6") and July the driest (0.4").